Glossary

Levels

CECRL Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: European framework defining six language proficiency levels (A1 to C2).
CEFR Common European Framework of Reference: The English name for CECRL.
A1 Introductory level: Understand and use familiar expressions. 60 to 100 hours.
A2 Elementary level: Communicate in simple and routine tasks. 100 to 120 hours.
B1 Threshold level: Independence in most everyday situations. 200 hours.
B2 Upper-intermediate level: Spontaneous conversations with native speakers, structured writing. 200 to 250 hours.
C1 Advanced level: Understanding of long and complex texts, fluent expression. 250 to 300 hours.
C2 Mastery level: Total mastery of French — understand effortlessly. 250 hours.
A0 Complete beginner: No prior knowledge of French. Step before CECRL level A1. About 40 to 60 hours of classes needed to reach A1.

DELF Diploma in French Language Studies: Official diploma from the French Ministry of Education (A1 to B2). Valid for life.
DALF Advanced Diploma in French Language: Official diploma for C1 and C2 levels. Grants access to higher education.
TCF Test of French Language Knowledge: Standardised test, valid for 2 years. Often required for immigration.
TEF French Language Assessment Test: Test managed by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Valid for 2 years.
FLE French as a Foreign Language: Teaching discipline for French to non-French speakers.

Au pair Au pair programme + classes: Combines childcare with a host family and French language classes.
PVT Programme Vacances-Travail: Visa of up to 1 year for 18-30 year olds of certain nationalities.

EIFE2F Intercultural French School for Foreigners: Our school — founded in 2004 in Lyon. Over 80 nationalities welcomed.
CRM Customer Relationship Management: Customer management software. EIFE2F uses Zoho CRM to track enrolments.
IBAN International Bank Account Number: International bank account number, used for wire transfers to pay the school.

Titre de séjour Residence permit: Card issued by the prefecture to extend a stay beyond the initial visa.
Préfecture Local government office: Government office that issues residence permits. In Lyon: Préfecture du Rhône.
UE European Union: The 27 EU member states enjoy freedom of movement: no visa required to study in France.
EEE European Economic Area: The EU + Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Same rights as EU citizens to study in France.
RGPD General Data Protection Regulation: European law (2018) governing the collection and use of personal data. Your data is only used for your enrolment.
Visa long séjour Long-stay visa (over 3 months): Visa for more than 3 months (VLS-TS, student, employee…) issued by the French consulate in your home country.
Visa court séjour Schengen visa (≤ 90 days): Tourist or business visa valid in the Schengen area, maximum duration 90 days.
Schengen Schengen Area: Free movement zone covering 27 European countries. A Schengen visa gives access to the entire zone.
VLS-TS Long-Stay Visa equivalent to a Residence Permit: Long-stay visa that acts as a residence permit during its first year — must be validated with OFII within 3 months of arrival.
OFII French Office for Immigration and Integration: Public body responsible for validating VLS-TS visas and managing the integration of migrants.

grammaire jjjjk: La grammaire est l'étude objective et systématique des éléments et des mécanismes et processus de formation, de construction et d'expression constitutifs d'une langue naturelle, écrite ou parlée, en particulier par l'étude de la morphologie, de la syntaxe et de la phonologie, à…
UNESCO The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization: is an international specialised agency of the United Nations, established on 16 November 1945 in the aftermath of the Second World War.